YOUNG Enterprise (YE) students from St Augustine’s Catholic High School are forging ahead with business thanks to the support they’ve received from a Redditch company.

Multi-temperature distributor Oakland International released key personnel as part of its Oakland Foundation charity activities, to work with students throughout the academic year to them develop their YE company and personal business skills.

Business support manager Lian Higgitt said: “Local business involvement in YE is key if we are to inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs and business leaders. By working with the students we can share our knowledge and experience, as well as offer advice and guidance, with the long term aim of leaving a lasting impression which we hope will make a positive and real difference to them in the future.”

With weekly support and email contact from their volunteer mentors of Lian and her colleague Lynsey McIntosh, Oakland’s general manager, the 14 students have established their business and are learning to manage their company ‘Just InCase’ which produces customized mobile phone and IPOD covers and accessories, and will work with them to develop their all important marketing skills to help drive sales.

Young Enterprise Manager, Julia Neale, said: “Business Volunteers like Lian and Lynsey are vital to Young Enterprise as they engage and inspire young people to develop real skills, attitudes and behaviours for entrepreneurship and employability. With business support it helps to empower young people in the community and across the UK with confidence, ability and ambition to succeed in business and help them to get ready for work."

The Oakland’s staff work with the students forms part of their personal Management Development Programme activities, designed to put their core skills into practice.